CT235 or CT335? HELP

[43acresofhell]

Hi, everyone, newbie here. I am getting pretty serious about getting a compact tractor and need some advice about what to get. The bottom line is that given the dealers in my area (central PA) and the promotions out there, I have narrowed my search down to one of these two models. I know that the tractor size is dictated by the needs so here is what I need this machine to do:

(1) We bought 43 acres. Half forest, half scrub brush (hence my name, looks awful), and a beautiful stream running along the property.
(2) Need to brush hog up to 15 acres--very thick brush, who knows what kind of fallen trees are waiting below the thickets.
(3) Tons of brush from fallen trees to be moved.
(4) A 1500 foot long driveway that needs attention if the snow is too deep for my Ranger to handle.
(5) Moving dirt and grading, probably a big part of the job.
(6) Moving "small" boulders, maybe a couple hundred pounds at a time.
(7) Mowing approximately 5 acres once hogging is done and the house is built.
(8) Putting in brick walkway along stream and digging out trails to put woodchips in.
(9) Digging holes for trees and moving the trees to the different locations.
(10) Moving logs that weigh less than 1k pounds.
(11) Transporting crushed stone, firewood, and rocks from one spot to another.

That is about all I can think of for now. Bottom line is that I will be using the tractor for many jobs but won't be moving stuff that is huge. My concern about the 335 is that it will leave marks on the lawn because of the extra 6-700 pounds plus, of course, the cost difference.

I am looking at three attachments other than the free loader--PTO brush hog, finish mower (72" max), and a grappler "bucket" and attachments.

Oh, and last, as for price, I have been quoted $16,500 all-in (taxes, prep, etc) for the 235 and $18,900 for the 335. Those prices reflect the tractor, bucket and loader, and GP tires. Haven't negotiated yet but I was curious if they were good prices.

Anyway, if there are any suggestions or opinions, I welcome them all! I want to by something I need, with just enough power for my needs.

Thanks.

Roger

P.S. The goal is to have to turn my screenname into 43acresofBLISS by fall!!

 

[milkman636]

I picked up a CT335HST last November for 16500. The operator station with deluxe seat and push-button everything, dual pedal HST contol, and slightly better lift capcities are what pushed me toward negotiating on a 335.

If the premium for the 335 was $2400 my decision would have been different, and I probably would have bought an orange one instead. The Kioti DK35SE quotes were right in the 18k neighborhood with a standard rear remote and draft control included. Decide which one you want and try some negotiation. If your offering a clean cash deal on an in-stock tractor there should be some room for the dealer to move.

Are both the 235 and 335 in stock at the dealer who is quoting you these prices? You will always get better prices on a tractor that both you and the dealer are looking at during negotiations.

 

[kco]

I picked up a CT335HST last November for 16500. The operator station with deluxe seat and push-button everything, dual pedal HST contol, and slightly better lift capcities are what pushed me toward negotiating on a 335.

If the premium for the 335 was $2400 my decision would have been different, and I probably would have bought an orange one instead. The Kioti DK35SE quotes were right in the 18k neighborhood with a standard rear remote and draft control included. Decide which one you want and try some negotiation. If your offering a clean cash deal on an in-stock tractor there should be some room for the dealer to move.

Are both the 235 and 335 in stock at the dealer who is quoting you these prices? You will always get better prices on a tractor that both you and the dealer are looking at during negotiations.

I went for the DK35 HST over the CK35 for the same reasons as milkman. I also liked the thought of the DK's heavier frame, rear hydraulics, and the remote 3 point hitch control. Although I never drove either, I liked the idea of two separate HST pedals.

I previously had a Kubota L275 DT with ag tires that weighed half as much as the DK35. The DK35 with industrial tires is much easier on the lawn. I imagine that depends on the soil though. My soil is sort of a firm sandy loam.

Your prices are much bettern than the Canadian price I recently paid at the end of March. The DK35 was $21,250 and CT335 would have been the same.

 

[SSdoxie]

Both are good and will work for you. Here are few things to think about.
335 wieghs 6-700# more but with loader work you described the 235 will be more likely to need rear balast than the 335. If fill the rear tires to achieve this that will bring the overall weight to about the same. 335 has larger, wider tires so the pound per sq. in are little less. With filled ties on the 235 you will have more ground compression than 335 without filled tires. If you use something on the 3pt as balast the above doesn't matter.

You mentioned possibly having a grapple. Bobcat has a ready to fit hydraulic control kit for the 335 w/8TL loader. Same kit could be used on the 235, but would take some slight modification in hose routing.

335 has 2 HST pedals on RHS forward & reverse with brakes on LH side, so is able to use brakes as terring aid. 235 has rocker pedal for HST, toe forward heel reverse with brakes on same side. Not able to use brakes as steering aid. But 235 does have a clutch on Left side which I use quite often especially when engaging the pto to give attachment a smooth easy start. 335 uses a electric switch that engages suddenly even with engine at idle.

I have a 225 and love it, but 335 has more features to it.

I'm not intending to recommend one over the other, just give a comparison to think about. Price quoted sounds decent on both of them.

 

[duckhunter27]

Go with the CT335 you wont be sorry. If you go with the CT 235 I am sure later you will wish you bought the 335. Just my 2 cents Vince

 

[Sand_man]

We had to make the same decision when we bought our tractor too. I compared models and the 335 seemed to be the starting tractor for more HD features. The 335 was the model that things changed such as brake pedals (two separate ones), two directional pedals (instead of a rocker pedal), and independant PTO (instead of live.) The 335 only has 4 hp more in engine but I think with more weight and the features above it amounts to a lot more tractor and I am glad I chose the 335. Just had more of a tractor feeling to me than a big lawn mower feeling. Not trying to start any fights now .

 

[afoster]

I went with the CT335 for several reasons:
- I could get a cab for it.
- The rear 3pt hitch controls
- Extra weight and size
- Would support the larger snow blade on the FEL
- The HST drive foot pedal layout as mentioned in an earlier post
- The one drawback I have found is I wish it had the next larger size engine in it when it comes to doing some heavier work.

 

[43acresofhell]

Wow, thanks a lot for the advice. I think it is pretty obvious that I should be going for the 335. I will probably buy in the next day or two and based on the forums here, I am going to have the dealer take care of any rusting on the machine as well as to check the battery.

I think I am going to get a grapple with it too.
Construction Attachments X-Treme Duty Compact Tractor Root Grapple Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach CAL, 1RGCMP

I talked to two dealers about the hydraulics to operate the grapple system. One said to put on a rear hydraulic valve and the other said that they can do that but there would be some long hoses running along the vehicle. For what it is worth, I am also looking at the possibility of a backhoe as well (think I would regret it if I didn't get one) so I am assuming the rear system would also power that too? (Again, newbie here.) Would there be any other reason for spending the extra money for a front hydraulic system?

Speaking backhoes, does anyone have any suggestions about what brand that would be most economical for maybe 6' max digging? And off that questions, what exactly do I need to buy to make it fit? Websites and costs would be appreciated.

Oh, and one more question, why are all the dealers I talk to saying that they want to get rid of their old equipment (sitting out for a year plus) before selling me the new inventory? Should I request a newer machine because they would be less weathered or doesn't it matter?

Anyway, thanks again for all the great insight here.

Roger

 

[ttriff]

You can get front hydraulics installed by the dealer for ~$832

It's smart to buy 2 sets of dealer installed rear remotes for $500

Rent a back hoe for the few times you need one

 

[milkman636]

...................why are all the dealers I talk to saying that they want to get rid of their old equipment (sitting out for a year plus) before selling me the new inventory? Should I request a newer machine because they would be less weathered or doesn't it matter?

Anyway, thanks again for all the great insight here.

Roger

They probably find that potential customers like looking at shiny tractors more than weathered ones. Plus I've heard that companies will front floor inventory to the dealers for a few months before they require the dealer to start paying for it. After a few months in inventory they will start to charge the dealer some carrying charges for the tractors they ordered and haven't sold. That's how my dealer explained his willingness to deal on my tractor that had been sitting in inventory for close to six months. I wouldn't be surprised if asking for a newer one costs you more $.